Golden Women’s Resource Centre prepares for the BIG EVENT

As we swiftly move through fall and grieve the passing of our short summer, there is one thing we can all look forward to … the most fabulous event of the season …the only reason to dress your best and dust off those shiny shoes you’ve been wanting to wear…yes, we are talking about the GWRC’s annual fundraising event, the Starlight Soiree.

This year marks its sixth year, this year’s theme, Starlight Soiree: Walk the Red Carpet will inspire Hollywood glamour decor and “just for fun” people’s choice awards. Guests can expect to see some of our local favourite entertainers; fabulous finger foods; delightful items in our Silent and Loonie Auctions – a perfect way to start your Christmas shopping; the annual draw for Woman of the Year; special surprise guests and much, much more. Cordination for the event began late September with many volunteers contributing creative ideas to the various features for the event. Sarah Wegelin, Special Projects Co-ordinator for the GWRC says volunteers are “enthusiastic” and “committed”.

“It truly is the event of the season, and for those volunteers who are super creative and keen to help out at the centre, it’s an excellent way to get involved. Our planning meetings have been high energy as so many great ideas are put forth, lots of creativity and loads of enthusiasm,” Wegelin says.

The event includes an annual Food Challenge giving guests an opportunity to taste delightful finger foods as local restaurants compete for awards in the following categories: Best Tasting, Best Display and Best Overall. Restaurants are already signing up including: The Island, The Mad Trapper, and Eleven 22. For restaurants interested in competing in this year’s event please contact Linley Mclean, Executive Director and Outreach Co-ordinator at the GWRC.

“We are really trying to step it up a notch as far as prizes for our Food Challenge winners, with respect to the hard work and time put in by staff and chefs at our local venues. All of the participants this year and in the past have been so generous to the centre through this event. This year we are approaching businesses to help contribute to prizes in the way of advertising and restaurant supplies as well as bragging rights and trophies for the winners,” says Mclean.

Judging for the Food Challenge will be done by local restaurateurs and celebrities. This year the GWRC plans to have a blind taste test, followed by a tour of the restaurants’ displays at the event.

“This is our third year hosting the Food Challenge and we are really striving to make this feature as professional and fair as possible. We are welcoming feedback from past participants and are so appreciative of all of the hard work they’ve contributed to the event in previous years,” says Mclean

In 2010, The Island Restaurant won for best Overall; Best Tasting went to Eleven 22, and Best Display went to Kicking Horse Grill. Participants have included: Whitetooth Bistro, Cedar House Restaurant, and Bacchus Books and Cafe, Mad Trapper Pub.

All proceeds from this fundraiser enable the GWRC to continue providing important services for all women and their children in Golden.

The GWRC also co-ordinates a successful youth program for girls in grades 5-9, which provides girls with tools for building self-esteem, encourages safe and healthy choices, and fosters peer support and friendship.

The GWRC also operates the Good Karma Clothing Exchange, offers internet, photocopying, phone and fax access and other services all free of charge.

One ongoing government contract and several project based grants represent the current major sources of funding for the GWRC.

Administration, fixed costs and additional project related expenses are covered by donations and fundraisers such as the Starlight Soiree.

In time when this funding is limited, the need for the services of the GWRC does not diminish, but increases. The GWRC is committed to keeping their doors open and their lights on. The Starlight Soiree: Walk the Red Carpet will be held on November 17 at the Mount 7 Rec Plex at 7p.m.

This event welcomes all community members 19 and over.

Tickets will go on sale on November 1. Save the date. For more information on the event and/or to find out how you can get involved please contact the GWRC at 250-344-5317.

Visit us online for more details about the centre’s programs, services and sponsors: www.goldenwomencentre.ca